Every year, men in short leather pants and embroidered suspenders risk dislocated digits as they vie for the top prize at Germany’s championship in the sport of fingerhakelyn, or finger wrestling. It’s thought that finger wrestling originated as a way to settle disputes. The earliest depictions of the sport go back to the 19th century, with competitors wearing the traditional Bavarian dress known as “tracht.” Two competitors sit on opposite sides of a table and each hooks one finger — usually the middle finger — through a small leather loop. As soon as a referee signals the start, each contestant tries to pull the other across the table swiftly. The whole thing usually lasts a few seconds, and dislocated fingers are common. Special attendants sit behind each athlete to catch them should one of them suddenly lose his grip and fly backwards. The winner moves to the next round. By custom, only men take part. It’s not just brute force that’s needed. There are different techniques for how competitors sit at the table, how they transfer power as quickly as possible, and, of course, they need a well-trained finger. Competitors warm up by hoisting heavy blocks or pulling on cables with their competition finger. The sport demands all the strength the athletes can muster — and perhaps a few patches of skin or a dislocated finger or two.
